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Overcome the Large-Part Production Challenge

January 22, 2018

Manufacturers of large parts surely know the distinct challenges this type of work presents. The parts are heavy, cumbersome and require close machining tolerances. The tools used to machine them can be sizeable. Setups take longer because of all that’s involved with handling big parts and large tools. And machining becomes even more challenging when the parts require multiple operations, such as milling, drilling and boring – all of which typically involve long reach situations.

Mazak frequently introduces new machine models – many of which require extremely large components – so they have faced these challenges in their own factories. That’s why Mazak recently completed the installation of a new HCN-16000Q Horizontal Machining Center in their North American Manufacturing Plant in Florence, Kentucky.

The addition of this innovative and productive machine has made it possible for them to ramp up overall production of Kentucky-built machines. What makes this machine so powerful and versatile is its double-column, quill-head design that combines the part processing advantages of both a horizontal machining center and those of a traditional boring machine. Now, they get the speed, accuracy, automatic tool and pallet change of a Mazak horizontal machine plus the quill for long reach milling and boring operations and have reduced part setups by performing both operations on the same machine.

The double-column design of the HCN-16000Q helps overcome potential problems caused from overhang or imbalance on traditional boring machines by centering the quill head and featuring a twin ballscrew-driven Y axis that does away with the need for any type of counterbalance mechanism. The quill features a built-in motor, high-torque, direct-drive, 50 HP (37-kW) spindle that puts out 1,000 ft/lbs (1,357 Nm) of torque to handle even the most challenging parts. It’s also equipped with linear drive guides as well as both angular contact and roller-type bearings to provide stability.

The HCN-16000Q is also available with a tool changing system specifically designed to overcome the challenges of handling large tools. Mazak also offers an automatic attachment changer for the machine. This increases part processing flexibility even more by enabling the use of various special operation attachments such as angled heads, U-axis boring tools and facing heads, U-axis OD turning heads and snout heads.